Editorial: A Bright Future

With rumors surrounding players such as Michael Murillo, Tyler Adams leaving for Europe, and contracts negotiations for Daniel Royer, Aurelien Collin, and others, it’s a good time to start looking forward to the future.

A Bright Future

Finding the replacement for Tyler Adams, might be easier than what the Red Bulls expected. Currently playing for the USL side New York Red Bulls II, Cristian Cásseres Jr. is an excellent replacement. He has excellent vision, is calm in possession, and his transitions from attacking to defending are almost flawless.

However, two areas he lacks in is his technical ability on the ball, and his understanding of the system. Jesse Marsch and John Wolyniec have sung praises about his work ethic, his sheer ability, and talent. It would come as a big surprise if he does not get a call up next year.

Currently injured and out for the season, Kyle Duncan makes an excellent replacement for Michael Murillo. His ability and press up the field were on level with Murillo, but his defending is better. During the CCL there was an ability to step up and prove that he belonged in the first team. He has creativity on the ball, clear flow of the game, and isn’t afraid of creating chances to draw in the opponent. Once he is healthy again he should start over Lade.

At left wing for Daniel Royer, the Red Bulls could turn to Amando Moreno. However unlike Casseres or Duncan, he’s not quite ready for the MLS just yet. Moreno’s time at New York Red Bulls II is proving to be more fruitful than his time in Liga MX with Club Tijuana. He thrives in the Red Bulls system. There are times where his production is lack luster, and he seems to disappear at the left wing. This is why it will he will not make the transition for at least one more year. Expect Moreno to battle for minutes with the first team in the years to come.

Aurelien Collin came at a time when the team needed him the most. Now with Tim Parker and Aaron Long holding down the back, he just doesn’t fit in to the team cohesively. Hassan Ndam is the answer. His few appearances have made him a clear contender for the back up spot. Hassan has surprised a lot of people, and has single-handedly gotten the Red Bulls out of various tough situations. He still has a lot to work on, such as his positioning, and marking. Regardless, Hassan is a clear number two choice depth wise.

All in all there’s still plenty left in this season to worry about, and a right side the Red Bulls needs to replenish. There shouldn’t be any doubt that the USL side has and continues to produce talent that can transition well into the main squad. It’s why the Red Bulls have been touted to have one of the best academy systems in MLS.